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<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">All cannabis has a shelf life, as it is a food product from plants. Just as a bunch of broccoli or spinach comes with an expiry date, so does fresh weed. Luckily, your weed will last longer than the lettuce in your vegetable drawer &mdash; at least a year, as long as you keep it in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Consuming <a href="https://leafwell.com/blog/can-you-travel-with-medical-marijuana/">marijuana</a> at optimal freshness ensures that you&rsquo;re getting the most out of the plant&rsquo;s </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">therapeutic cannabinoids</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"> and other natural compounds.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The two main factors that determine how long a cannabis or </span><a href="https://leafwell.com/blog/effective-cbd-products/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">CBD product</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> will last are:</span></p>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">What type of product it is (e.g., tincture, flower, edible, etc.).</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">How much plant matter or any other fresh ingredients does the product contains.</span></li>
</ul>
<h2 id="cannabis-freshness-guidelines"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Cannabis Freshness Guidelines</span></h2>
<p><b></b><span style="font-weight: 400;">Cannabis expiration dates largely depend on the type of product you are consuming. Marijuana can last a long time, months or even years, but be aware of these general expiration date guidelines for each cannabis product you purchase.&nbsp;</span></p>
<h3><span style="font-weight: 400;">Medical Marijuana</span></h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Medical marijuana is an umbrella term that can encompass virtually any cannabis product. The best way to know when your medical marijuana expires is to read the label or ask your pharmacist.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p>
<h3><span style="font-weight: 400;">CBD Tinctures</span></h3>
<p><a href="https://leafwell.com/blog/benefits-cannabis-oil-tinctures/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">CBD tinctures</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> have the most extended shelf life of any cannabis product. Tinctures infused with high-proof alcohol can stay fresh for up to ten years if stored appropriately. Oil-based tinctures, which are less common, can last for two years.&nbsp;</span></p>
<h3><span style="font-weight: 400;">Cannabis Flower</span></h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Much of how long cannabis flowers will keep depends on how well cured the flower or bud is and how well it is kept after buying from the </span><a href="https://leafwell.com/blog/finding-your-best-local-medical-cannabis-dispensary/?__hstc=202204430.773a15802ea6c5c30aef4947a2acedce.1635108433993.1637259928877.1637263891117.35&amp;__hssc=202204430.2.1637263891117&amp;__hsfp=150452273"><span style="font-weight: 400;">local dispensary</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. If your product is well-dried and cured correctly (i.e., it is relatively dry without too much moisture) and then kept in a mason jar out of direct sunlight and in a cool, dry place, it won&rsquo;t grow mold or mildew.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Cannabis flowers can last up to 18 months in such conditions, losing potency after around six to nine months of being in the jar. It is generally advisable to use fresh cannabis flower within six months, </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">as most people cannot keep them in optimal conditions without fluctuations in temperature and humidity.</span></p>
<figure id="attachment_10456" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-10456" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-10456" src="https://admin.leafwell.com/app/uploads/2022/02/800px-Marijuana-Cannabis-Weed-Bud-Gram.jpg" alt="Cannabis; pot; hemp; bud; gram of cannabis; weed; marijuana; growing; dried cannabis flower." width="800" height="555"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-10456" class="wp-caption-text"><a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Marijuana-Cannabis-Weed-Bud-Gram.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source</a></figcaption></figure>
<h3><span style="font-weight: 400;">Hash and Wax</span></h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The less flower there is in the </span><a href="https://leafwell.com/blog/how-to-make-solvent-free-medical-cannabis-wax-thc-dabs-at-home/?__hstc=202204430.773a15802ea6c5c30aef4947a2acedce.1635108433993.1637259928877.1637263891117.35&amp;__hssc=202204430.2.1637263891117&amp;__hsfp=150452273"><span style="font-weight: 400;">extract or concentrate</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, the longer it will last. However, just like cannabis flowers, you must keep hash and wax stored in a cool, dry place with little sunlight to prevent the cannabinoids and terpenes from degrading and mold from forming.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Hashish tends to contain the most plant material, and as such, lasts around the same amount of time as flower (around eighteen months, maybe a little longer). If hashish is not appropriately kept, it can go moldy. As for waxes, budder, and shatter, these concentrates can potentially last up to two years, losing potency after around twelve to eighteen months.&nbsp;</span></p>
<h3><span style="font-weight: 400;">Cannabis Edibles</span></h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Many edibles contain perishable ingredients, such as eggs and milk. Edibles like </span><a href="https://leafwell.com/blog/recipe-healthy-pot-brownies/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">brownies and cakes</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> are not likely to last longer than two to three days when made at home and stored in an airtight container. Cannabis edibles from dispensaries may contain preservatives that allow them to keep a bit longer when in the packaging but will still come with a use-by-date.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Cannabis-infused candies may last longer than baked goods &ndash; between six and nine months &ndash; as they do not tend to contain many perishable ingredients. You should keep all edibles in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight in their original packaging.</span></p>
<h3><span style="font-weight: 400;">Rick Simpson Oil</span></h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Like tinctures, Rick Simpson Oil is usually made with an alcohol infusion process. This process gives Rick Simpson oil an approximate shelf life of ten years under proper storage conditions.&nbsp;</span></p>
<h3><span style="font-weight: 400;">Vapes</span></h3>
<p><a href="https://leafwell.com/blog/vaping-cbd/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Vape pens</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> tend to contain vape oil, and the cannabis extract used to make them tends not to have any plant material. Moreover, vape pens are usually well-contained. So, if properly kept, vape pens can last a long time without losing much potency &ndash; around two to three years. However, vape pens often do not have a fixed expiry date and could last longer.</span></p>
<h3><span style="font-weight: 400;">Topicals</span></h3>
<p><a href="https://leafwell.com/blog/cannabis-topicals/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Cannabis topicals</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> like creams, oils, and gels usually last up to two years when stored in their original container and sealed after each use. Cannabis-infused cosmetics may also last up to two years, though the expiry date will depend on the ingredients in the cosmetics. Soaps are alkaline and will preserve any cannabis they contain quite well, potentially lasting longer than two years.&nbsp;</span></p>
<h2 id="how-to-tell-if-your-cannabis-is-bad"><span style="font-weight: 400;">How to Tell If Your Cannabis Is Bad</span></h2>
<p><b></b><span style="font-weight: 400;">Several easy-to-spot clues will let you know that your cannabis has gone bad. From funky smells to scuzzy mold, here&rsquo;s how you&rsquo;ll know if you&rsquo;ve got a batch of rotten cannabis.&nbsp;</span></p>
<h3><span style="font-weight: 400;">It Smells Bad</span></h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">If the product doesn&rsquo;t pass the smell test, it&rsquo;s likely seen better days. Check for a smell of rotten eggs or anything that smells unfamiliar. Many </span><a href="https://leafwell.com/blog/most-durable-outdoor-cannabis-strains/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">cannabis strains</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> have a &ldquo;skunky&rdquo; smell familiar to regular users. So, your experience with using cannabis will also help your nose determine if the product is still fresh or past its sell-by date.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p>
<h3><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Texture Changes</span></h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Fragile, crumbling cannabis could indicate that the expiration date has passed. Note the texture of your cannabis product when you first purchase it and watch for any changes later on.&nbsp;</span></p>
<h3><span style="font-weight: 400;">You See Mold</span></h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Discolored spots and white fuzz are the telltale signs of mold. Just as you would toss a moldy loaf of bread, dispose of your moldy old weed.&nbsp;</span></p>
<figure id="attachment_8034" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-8034" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-8034 size-medium" src="/app/uploads/2017/11/marijuana-buds-white-mold-481x600.jpg" alt="Cannabis with White Mold" width="481" height="600"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-8034" class="wp-caption-text">White mold on cannabis. <a href="http://www.growweedeasy.com/3-ways-to-avoid-cannabis-mold" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source</a></figcaption></figure>
<h3><span style="font-weight: 400;">Can Ingesting Expired Marijuana Harm You?</span></h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Ingesting any expired food product can lead to nausea and other digestive issues. However, it is unlikely that ingesting expired marijuana will cause serious harm. Still, when in doubt, throw it out.&nbsp;</span></p>
<h2 id="tips-for-storing-cannabis"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Tips for Storing Cannabis</span></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">How you store cannabis has a significant impact on how long the product will last, and these criteria are crucial for storing cannabis and maximizing its shelf life.&nbsp;</span></p>
<h3><span style="font-weight: 400;">Choose the Right Container</span></h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Mason jars made of glass with an airtight seal are the best long-term storage vessels for cannabis. Glass retains the </span><a href="https://leafwell.com/blog/flavonoids/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">flavors and aromas</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> of cannabis as well as the freshness. For short-term storage of a week or less, vacuum-sealed plastic bags or metal containers will work.&nbsp;</span></p>
<h3><span style="font-weight: 400;">Pay Attention to Humidity</span></h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Too much moisture accelerates the degradation of weed products, so store in an area of low humidity. A relative humidity level of about sixty percent is ideal for most cannabis products.&nbsp;</span></p>
<h3><span style="font-weight: 400;">Keep It in the Dark</span></h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Avoid exposure to direct sunlight at all costs. Cannabis products last longer in dark spots like cabinets and cupboards.&nbsp;</span></p>
<h3><span style="font-weight: 400;">Can I Freeze Marijuana and CBD Products?</span></h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Yes, you can freeze marijuana and <a href="https://leafwell.com/blog/how-does-cbd-work/">CBD</a> products if you require a short-term storage solution. But more than a few days in the freezer will degrade your cannabis product and lead to a decrease in potency.&nbsp;</span></p>
<h2 id="frequently-asked-questions"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Frequently Asked Questions</span></h2>
<h3><span style="font-weight: 400;">How long can CBD oil be kept once opened?</span></h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">As long as you store your CBD oil in a cool, dark place, it can stay fresh for up to twenty-four months.&nbsp;</span></p>
<h3><span style="font-weight: 400;">How long does it take for THC wax to expire?</span></h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">THC waxes and other concentrates tend to last between three and six months before expiring.&nbsp;</span></p>
<h3><span style="font-weight: 400;">Do marijuana edibles lose potency over time?</span></h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Yes, marijuana edibles do lose potency but not for quite some time (a year or more, depending on the type). As you are likely to consume your marijuana edibles within weeks of purchasing them, it is unlikely that any potency will be lost during this short time.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Explore the world of cannabis products with your medical marijuana card. Leafwell&rsquo;s physicians are here to help you <a href="https://leafwell.com/medical-card/">apply for your MMJ card online</a> today.</span></p>
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Senior Content Writer

Tina Magrabi is a writer and editor specializing in holistic health. She has written hundreds of articles for Weedmaps where she spearheaded the Ailments series on cannabis medicine. In addition, she has written extensively for the women's health blog, SafeBirthProject, as well as print publications including Destinations Magazine and Vero's Voice. Tina is a Yale University alumna and certified yoga instructor with a passion for the outdoors.